Seven days of Pure Michigan: Day 6

Artists of all ages will find an endless supply of subject matter to paint in Michigan. Head outdoors in any direction or contact a local art club to find out where they might be headed today (Keith Levitt Photography).

If you had one week to explore Michigan what would you do? It’s a tough question considering all that the state has to offer but we tackled it just the same. For those visiting Michigan or those looking to discover new destinations here is a bucket list sure to keep you busy during the week. Check one off and move on, or enjoy each Michigan adventure at your leisure.

DAY 6

Paint Michigan’s shoreline

For many Michiganders, sunny skies and warm temperatures are an opportunity to paint outdoors.

A longstanding tradition for members of the Lakeside Palette Club of St. Clair Shores is its summer paint at the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores. Lakeside member and award-winning oil painter Mary Palazzola said the Ford House is an inspiring location.

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“There’s a lot of green there and the way the sun dips there - it’s just right for a beautiful painting,” said Palazzola. Besides the greenery the estate also features a variety of buildings that serve as great subject matter whether you dabble in oils, pastels or watercolor. Another artist might just attend with a pencil and sketchbook.

Palazzola said the club is always looking for new members and that paint outs are a great way to being. Besides the wonderful locations - artists who attend are always anxious to share their knowledge with newcomers. Paint outs run throughout the summer. The next scheduled outing is July 24 at the Mount Clemens Gazebo. “We give them maps showing them how to get to the different places,” Palazzola said. “You can bring a friend. It’s open to anyone interested.”

Artists attending the paint outs meet on the scheduled day around 10 a.m. and go until 3 p.m. - although that’s not to say you cannot linger about. “Everyone is on their own schedule so you can leave earlier or stay later,” Palazzola said.

Another source for area artists looking for summer activities that spur creativity and embrace their spontaneity is Oakland County’s Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center. “With so many unique classes and workshops available, plan to be inspired at the BBAC,” said Annie VanGelderen, BBAC President & CEO. “We invite you to get creative and lose yourself in one of our favorites or newly created classes. Our three day, three media adult camp, which begins July 23, is the perfect way to take some time for yourself and recharge this summer.”

For more information about Lakeside Palette Club’s paint outs or membership details, visit: www.lakesidepaletteclub.org. The Birmingham Blloomfield Art Center is at 1516 South Cranbrook Road, Birmingham MI 48009. For more information on its summer workshops visit www.bbartcenter.org.

Join the club

Need more inspiration - here are a few more local clubs and art groups that offer aspiring artists the opportunity to share their interests or learn even more from area artists: